Western Ghats News

No fresh mining deal in Western Ghats

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2003 12:33:54 AM]
BANGALORE: The state government has not given any fresh mining licence in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, forests minister KH Ranganath told the Assembly on Monday. 

"I agree some illegal activity, including felling and poaching, goes on in the forests, but it is not due to negligence or dereliction of duty by officials. The department is trying its best to curb the activity as much as possible," he maintained. 

Workers’ Bill: Housing minister CR Sageer Ahmed, replying on behalf of labour minister Qamarul Islam, said the proposed Bill on the welfare of the unorganised sector, to be tabled in the current session, will include gold and silver workers. "The Bill will provide for minimum wages, leave, medical facilities, working hours and such others. However, the government can’t do anything for workers who are jobless," he said. 

Mysore Lamp won’t reopen: minister The state government on Monday categorically ruled out reviving Mysore Lamp Works Limited. "We have tried privatising it, but there were no takers. Ultimately, we were left with no alternative but to close it down. However, our order to this effect has been challenged in the high court, and we have to wait for the verdict," industries minister R.V. Deshpande said.